Spartanburg (SC) athlete Justin Bridges-Thompson's recruitment is on the tarmac and is preparing for takeoff, as he claims scholarship offers from Alabama State, Arizona, Hampton, NC State, North Carolina-Central, Pittsburgh and Wake Forest and is receiving interest from Auburn, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.

The 6-foot-2 ½, 210-pounder, who is rated as a three-star recruit, the nation's No. 32 safety and the No. 6 prospect in South Carolina, believes the Gamecocks and Volunteers are about to offer. Bridges-Thompson will be in Knoxville Monday, July 16 for an unofficial visit.

"Schools are recruiting me heavily," Bridges-Thompson said. "I've talked to a lot of people from a lot of different schools; Texas A&M, Texas, TCU [and] Alabama. I've talked to a lot of people. It's been really heavy."

Bridges-Thompson added he has been in regular contact with Lonnie Galloway, who is his primary recruiter for the Demon Deacons.

"They're [Wake] really at the top for me right now," Bridges-Thompson added. "All the schools that have offered they're at the top. They're all just equal to me."

The Palmetto State prospect plans to take official visits to Arizona and Pittsburgh, but said he will not make any to schools in close proximity.

Bridges-Thompson is unsure of when he will choose a school, but said he is going to smart about it.

This summer Bridges-Thompson played for the United States in the International Federation of American Football Under-19 World Championships. The U.S. finished with a 2-1 record, losing to Canada 23-17 in the gold medal game Saturday, July 7.

"It was pretty good playing with Team USA," Bridges-Thompson said. "I met a lot of good guys. It was a pretty good experience. Just to play for my country that means a lot. I know soldiers put their life on the line, so I think I should put my life on the field and give everything I've got to support my country, especially with playing on the Fourth of July."

Bridges-Thompson saw action at defensive end with Team USA, but is going to play outside linebacker this season and thinks he will likely play strong safety at the collegiate level.